How Inflammation Impacts POTS: Understanding the Connection & What You Can Do About It
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex and multifaceted condition, and while each person’s root triggers may differ, many people with POTS notice one thing in common:
When inflammation increases, symptoms get worse.
When inflammation decreases, symptoms tend to stabilize.
Although POTS does not have one single known cause, growing research and patient experience suggest that inflammation may play a major role in symptom severity, flare frequency, and overall autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
This article will help you understand:
Why inflammation may worsen POTS symptoms
How inflammation affects the autonomic nervous system
Common sources of inflammation in POTS patients
Signs you may be dealing with inflammation-triggered flares
Practical ways to support your body and reduce inflammatory stress
This is not medical advice or a diagnosis, but rather an educational look at patterns seen within the POTS community and research trends.
What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress, injury, infection, or irritation. This can be the reason why POTS occurs after an accident or surgery.
It becomes a problem when it shifts from short-term, protective inflammation to chronic, ongoing inflammation.
Chronic inflammation can impact multiple systems including:
Immune function
Blood flow
Gut health
Nervous system regulation
Hormones
Energy production
These happen to be the same systems that influence POTS symptoms—so when inflammation rises, symptoms often rise with it.
How Inflammation May Connect to POTS
There are several ways inflammation can directly or indirectly influence POTS symptoms. Even though not everyone with POTS has an inflammatory root cause, many do notice that inflammation makes symptoms more intense or more frequent.
Here’s why.
1. Inflammation Can Disrupt the Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation—areas that are already unstable with POTS.
Inflammation may affect the ANS by:
Over-activating the sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) system
Interfering with nerve signaling
Increasing heart rate reactivity
Making it harder for the body to regulate blood pressure
This can lead to classic POTS symptoms such as dizziness, tachycardia, shakiness, fatigue, and overstimulation.
2. Inflammation Can Lower Blood Volume
Some research and clinical observations suggest that inflammation can contribute to:
Fluid imbalance
Increased capillary permeability (fluid leaking from vessels)
Reduced sodium retention
All of these can decrease circulating blood volume—one of the most common challenges in POTS.
Low blood volume = more dizziness, fatigue, racing heart, and difficulty standing.
3. Inflammation Can Aggravate the Gut
Many people with POTS experience GI issues such as:
Bloating
Constipation
Nausea
Slow digestion
Inflammation can worsen these symptoms, making nutrient absorption more difficult, which can then decrease energy and hydration—two areas crucial for POTS stability.
4. Viral or Immune-Triggered Inflammation May Play a Role
A large percentage of POTS patients report that their symptoms began after:
A viral illness
Infection
Major inflammatory event
Chronic immune stress
Post-viral POTS, autoimmune-related POTS, and immune-triggered autonomic dysfunction are all active areas of research.
For some people, inflammation is not just a trigger—it’s part of the origin of the condition.
5. Inflammation Increases Nervous System Sensitivity
Inflammation can heighten the sensitivity of the nervous system, making it easier for symptoms to be triggered by:
Heat
Stress
Standing
Exhaustion
Hormonal changes
High-carb meals
This is why something small—like a stressful day or mild dehydration—can suddenly feel huge when inflammation is high.
Common Sources of Inflammation That Worsen POTS Symptoms
Every person is unique, but these are some common triggers people with POTS report:
• Viral infections
Even a mild cold can lead to weeks of worsened symptoms.
• Highly processed or inflammatory foods
Sugar, ultra-processed snacks, fried foods, seed oils, and artificial additives can contribute to inflammation in sensitive individuals.
• Food sensitivities
Gluten, dairy, soy, nightshades, and high-histamine foods are common triggers for some.
• Poor sleep or inconsistent sleep
Lack of sleep increases inflammatory markers quickly.
• Chronic stress
Emotional or physical stress elevates cortisol and inflammatory responses.
• Gut imbalance
Bacterial imbalance or sluggish digestion can cause systemic inflammation.
• Hormonal changes
Many inflammatory pathways increase before menstruation, which is why POTS often worsens during certain cycle phases.
• Mold, chemical, or environmental exposures
Some people with POTS are sensitive to environmental inflammation triggers.
Signs Your POTS Symptoms May Be Inflammation-Related
You may be dealing with inflammation-triggered POTS flares if you notice:
Your symptoms increase after eating certain foods
You crash harder during your menstrual cycle
You feel worse after poor sleep
Stress significantly intensifies your symptoms
Your POTS worsened after an illness
You have headaches, joint pain, or body aches
Your symptoms ease when eating cleaner or reducing stress
Again—this does not mean inflammation caused your POTS, but it may be significantly influencing it.
How to Lower Inflammation to Support POTS Symptoms
These suggestions are for general educational purposes—not medical advice—and focus on lifestyle approaches many POTS patients find helpful.
1. Prioritize an Anti-Inflammatory Eating Pattern
Common inflammation-friendly habits include:
Lean proteins
Colorful fruits + vegetables
Omega-3 foods (salmon, chia, flax, walnuts)
Gluten-free whole grains (if helpful)
Low-histamine options
Minimizing ultra-processed foods
Stabilizing blood sugar with balanced meals.
Many people with POTS find that eating consistently (every 3–4 hours) also helps prevent crashes.
2. Increase Hydration + Electrolytes
Hydration is one of the most powerful ways to support your body during inflammation spikes.
It helps:
Reduce heart rate
Support energy
Improve blood volume
3. Reduce Nervous System Stress
Inflammation and nervous system dysregulation go hand in hand.
Supportive practices include:
Slow breathing
Gentle stretching
Restorative yoga
Meditation
Grounding exercises
Calm, structured mornings
Even 3–5 minutes can make a huge difference.
4. Support Gut Health
A calm gut often equals calmer symptoms.
Try:
Gentle, easy-to-digest meals
Probiotic-rich foods (if tolerated)
Eating slowly
Avoiding trigger foods
A calmer gut supports nutrient absorption, energy, and inflammation regulation.
5. Protect Your Sleep
Sleep is one of the most powerful inflammation-reducing tools.
Helpful habits include:
Consistent sleep/wake times
Avoiding screens before bed
A cool, dark room
A relaxing nighttime routine
Even slight improvements can affect symptoms.
6. Pace Your Activity
Overexertion increases inflammatory stress.
Pacing helps prevent crashes by keeping your body in a stable zone instead of a survival zone.
7. Manage Stress With Healthy Boundaries
Stress doesn’t just feel emotional—it’s physical.
Reducing overwhelm, simplifying your schedule, and giving yourself permission to rest can significantly support inflammation reduction over time.
Inflammation Doesn’t Have to Control Your POTS
Not everyone’s POTS is caused by inflammation—but for many, inflammation makes the condition harder to manage.
By supporting your body through:
✨ gentle nutrition
✨ hydration
✨ pacing
✨ nervous system balance
✨ better sleep
✨ reduced stress
—you can help reduce inflammatory triggers and improve your overall symptom stability.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. A POTS-informed coach can guide you through identifying your triggers, reducing flare intensity, and creating a plan that truly fits your body.
If you’re ready for personalized support on your healing path:
I’d love to help you feel calmer, stronger, and more in control of your POTS symptoms.